Sharjah's Coastal Heritage Network Joins UNESCO Tentative List

Sep 9, 2026

73 min

Sep 9, 2026 11:31

Sharjah coastal heritage network added to Unesco Tentative List

## Historic Coastal Network Recognized

A historic maritime network in Sharjah, connecting Dibba Al-Hisn, Khor Fakkan, and Khor Kalba, has been added to UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage. This inclusion highlights the region's rich maritime history spanning over 2,000 years.

## Significance of the Sites

The Sharjah Archaeology Authority emphasizes the network's role in trade, navigation, and defense. The sites reflect the development of coastal communities and their integration into Indian Ocean trade routes, with influences from the Kingdom of Hormuz and Portuguese control in the 16th and 17th centuries.

## Key Locations

- **Dibba Al-Hisn**: Located on Dibba Bay, this site reveals layers of settlement from the Neolithic era to the 20th century. Discoveries include glass-working workshops and facilities for date and pearl processing.

- **Khor Fakkan**: Known for its naturally sheltered harbor, this site features forts and settlement layers dating back to the 15th century. The area played a crucial role in maritime navigation and trade.

- **Khor Kalba**: Situated at the mouth of Kalba Creek, this site was historically fortified under the Kingdom of Hormuz. Archaeological finds include a quadrangular enclosure wall and towers.

## Future Prospects

The inclusion of these sites is a step towards a potential UNESCO World Heritage nomination. Efforts will focus on further archaeological research and conservation to support this goal. The recognition follows Sharjah's ongoing commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, as seen with the Faya Palaeolandscape's World Heritage status in 2025.

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